Department of Education

Region #4

Grade 7 Integrated Science Weeks 1

Electricity and conduction:

Electricity is a form of energy. It is the flow of tiny particles called electrons. Electrical energy can be
converted to other forms of energy which enables us to carry out daily tasks such as ironing our clothes,
cooking food, etc.

Electric circuit:

An electric circuit is a path in which electrons from a voltage or current source flows. A simple circuit is made
up of a wire, battery, switch and light bulb. For electric current to flow there must be an unbroken path from
the battery to the component and back to the battery. That is, there must be a complete circuit through which
the current can pass. Below is a diagram of a simple circuit.

Home Work: 1) Define the terms: conductor and

insulator and give two examples for each

2) List the components of a simple circuit and

give the function of each part 

Figure 1: Simple circuit

Types of circuits:

Series circuit

A series circuit has only one path for the current. The same
current flows through everything in the circuit. When the switch
is closed, both bulbs will light. A break anywhere would stop
the current from flowing.

Figure 2: Series circuit

Parallel circuit

In a parallel circuit there is more than one path for the current. Each
bulb has its own branch of the circuit. The current from the battery
divides at point A. each bulb has a share of the current. These shares A B
join together again at B and flows back to the battery. If one breaks the others will light.

Figure 3: Parallel circuit

States of matter:

Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. The properties of the different states of matter are as
follows:

Property Solid Liquid Gas

Shape Fixed Takes the shape of the Takes the shape of the entire
container bottom container
Volume Fixed Fixed Changes volume to fill the container
Density High High to medium Low
Compressibility Cannot be compressed Cannot be compressed Can be compressed
Fluidity Cannot flow Can flow Can flow
Arrangement of Closely packed Small spaces between Large spaces between
particles

Changes in states:

Matter can change from one state to another if heated or cooled. As particles change some heat energy is transformed
into mechanical energy (motion). Cooling is a result of a loss of heat energy.

Particles in any state are moving. Heat causes particles to move about more freely and the loss of heat energy causes
substances to contract.

Process Examples

Melting- the change from Ice melting to water

a solid to a liquid
Freezing- The change Water freezing to ice
form a liquid to a solid
Boiling- The change from Water boiling
a liquid to a gas at boiling
point
Evaporation-The change Water evaporating to form
form a liquid to a gas water vapor
Condensation- The change Water vapour condensing
from a gas to a liquid to form water droplets
Sublimation- The change Dry ice changes into
from a solid to a gas gaseous carbon dioxide
without melting

Figure 4: Phase changes of matter

Worksheet:

To be completed Integrated Science notebook.

1 a) What is your understanding of an electric circuit?

b) Using materials found in your home, construct EITHER a

simple or parallel circuit.

c) Briefly outline the steps you took to construct the circuit.

d) Give the function of any three parts of a circuit.

e) Explore your house and identify three (3) conductors and three (3) insulators.

2 a) What is your understanding of the term “matter?”

b) State how the particles are arranged for oxygen, water and a rock.

c) Using THREE properties other than shape compare solids, liquids and gases.

d) During your daily routine give an example where boiling, evaporation and condensation occurs.